See a Rarely Seen Side of Black Creek Pioneer Village's North Property and Costume Collection

- Gold Member's get a unique opportunity to tour the oldest buildings in the Village on September 21 -

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Black Creek Pioneer Village is a great destination for families but also boasts unique experiences for adult. Including a chance to see rarely seen costumes at the McNair Gallery and a Gold Members tour of the North Property, a seldom seen, historic side of the history of Black Creek Pioneer Village's roots.

The best way for adults to experience Black Creek Pioneer Village is with a Village Membership Package which includes "just for members' private events. There are two levels of memberships, each with many benefits.  

"Our members are very passionate and curious about history so we have designed these special opportunities for Black Creek Gold Members to really go behind-the-scenes at the museum," said Wendy Rowney, Assistant General Manager, Black Creek Pioneer Village. "The membership packages are quite affordable, it gives you access to the Village and the opportunity to take part in many events from seeing our private collection of artifacts, to learning about what Black Creek is doing to preserve heritage farm animals, to touring the North Property or learning how to make a 19^th century kissing ball for Christmas. It's a great value for anyone who wants to learn more about pioneer life in Toronto."

On September 21, Black Creek Gold Members get a "Tour of the North" property a unique opportunity to tour the grounds of a seldom seen part of Black Creek Pioneer Village and the interior of the Dalziel barn, one of the largest and oldest barns of its kind in the country, now celebrating its 205th birthday.

Few people know that Black Creek Pioneer Village has an additional five 19th century buildings located on its North property.  The North Property is not open to the public but tours are made available during special events. Three of these buildings are original to the site; two were moved there in the mid-20th century.  The North Property is located on Jane north of Steeles Ave. and consisted of the Dalziel Pioneer Park which consisted of museum exhibits on display in an 1809 log barn and green space found on the former farm land.  Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) opened the Park in 1957 to preserve the barn for future generations and to tell the story of Toronto's pioneering roots. It was so successful that when the adjacent farm became available, it was purchased by the TRCA to recreate a 19th century village around the property's remaining five pioneer structures: The Dalziel Barn (1809); a two-story log house constructed in 1808, a brick home (1870), the Nesbitt Sawmill (1889) and Sawyer's House (1835).  This village grew into Black Creek Pioneer Village.  

The museum in the Dalziel barn and the North  Property closed its doors in the 1980s as the decision was made to focus on the Village itself.  Since that time, it has been opened openly occasionally to members of the public and will be open for a special tour on September 21st to Gold Members. Special Members Only events take place throughout the year.

For more information about Black Creek Pioneer Membership fees, Member Events (pre-registration required), or to purchase a membership please visit: http://blackcreek.ca/v2/join/membership.dot

Another way to see rarely seen artifacts is to make a visit to the McNair Gallery, located in the Visitors' Centre. The Gallery showcases authentic artifacts and special exhibits.  The Shaping Style exhibit now on until December, explores 19th century fashion and the undergarments women wore to achieve the fashionable female figure of the day. A small number of rarely seen costumes from Black Creek's collection are displayed annually. This exhibit is on semi-permanent display, with featured costumes changing periodically. Other exhibits on display include Breaking the Silence: Stories of the British Home Children, 1869-1948; The Working Lives of Chinese Canadian Women, 1923-1967 and Look and Play: A Toy His-Story.

For more information about the McNair Gallery visit: http://www.blackcreek.ca/v2/experience/exhibits.dot

About Black Creek Pioneer Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto's premier outdoor living history museum. Visitors can explore heritage homes and buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village. Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers lived, worked and played. The Village hosts learning programs and special events that highlight local heritage and culture. The tranquil setting, rural landscapes, heritage gardens and period farm animal breeds make Black Creek Pioneer Village the perfect place to break out of the modern world and journey into the past. Located in north Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). For more information please visit www.blackcreek.ca.

Black Creek Pioneer Village acknowledges support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture, The Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto, and the public.

SOURCE: Black Creek Pioneer Village

Media Contact: Rowena Calpito, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 416.661.6600 ext 5632, [email protected]